Melbourne pubs and bars with outdoor dining and drinking are now in hot demand but never fear, we've got 11 of the best right here for you.
We’ve compiled a list of the best pubs and bars around our city that we can enjoy outdoors this summer.
The Corner Hotel
Before we’re back in the band room stuck behind the iconic The Corner pole, it’s time to check out their pretty cool outdoor area to enjoy those long awaited bevs.
Their outdoor space, which is located behind the venue, has been revamped to feature a fully stocked bar and some tasty snacks to enjoy with some mates. With Melbourne’s 4 seasons in one day, the outdoor space has some heaters and undercover spaces, making sure it’s still an enjoyable experience for those cooler days.
Also, as we also move in the Summer of sport, the outdoor area features a massive TV you can catch the latest in tennis, cricket, and lots more.
Check their website out here to book in a visit and see what you can order.
The Imperial Hotel
Nestled in the heart of Burke St is where you’ll find the awesome Imperial Hotel, everyone’s favourite spot to catch up with a mate or two.
Their rooftop will be open this weekend for some amazing snacks and drinks, overlooking the stunning Melbourne landscape, the amazing city view transporting you to somewhere like New York. Some of their hottest menu items are their mouth-watering Fried Chicken Tenders, jam packed charcuterie plate and of course everyone’s favourite pub meal, a Parma.
They’ve got a small outdoor area on the ground floor where you can bring your four-legged friends for a bit of an adventure.
Check out some more info and book in a table here.
Wesley Anne
The hidden gem behind the Wesley Anne doors is something worth checking out once in your lifetime.
The venue has some of the best food you’ve ever tasted, the meals taste like something your mum would make, the meals are prepared with a lot of time and care. Some of their meals include a delicious Truffle and Herb Gnocchi, Kangaroo Fillet, and a curry of the day. Check out all the other awesome meals here.
They’ve got a number of sections throughout their spot, a laid-back beer garden, and a nice spaced-out band room for when things open up a little further.
Book in a visit here.
Good Heavens Bar
If you’re keen for a rooftop drink or two, take a journey to Good Heavens Bar on Burke St.
They are dedicated to bringing customers some of the best cocktails in the city, their massively stocked bar has any type of cocktail and spirit you can think of, you might even find your new favourite. These are things like Pompello Spritz, Smoked Monty Spritz, and classics like Cosmopolitans and Whiskey Sours.
They’ve also got some pretty tasty snacks to help the drinks go down a little easier, you can check what they have on offer here.
Book in a table at their rooftop bar now.
The Fitzroy Beer Garden
Fitzroy’s amazing beer garden is a stalwart of Melbourne’s pubs and bars with outdoor dining and it brings customers some phenomenal food, great service, and fancy drinks.
Their beer garden is reopening this Saturday and they’re slinging drinks and preparing some tasty snacks for your enjoyment. They don’t have a massive menu, but the things they do offer they do perfectly. Check out the drink and food menu here.
Once we get closer to normality, The FBG put on some fun trivia nights, cool events, and DJ gigs every now and then. The trivia nights also coinciding with a pretty sweet $20 Parma a drink deal. Book in a trivia night here.
Book in a table from this weekend here.
The Retreat Hotel
Another staple of the Melbourne live music scene, The Retreat is just as well known for their amazing food and drinks.
Their menu is full of the pub classics like Burgers, Parma’s and Pies, so you’re bound to find something you’ll like. A couple of weeks after this weekend’s reopening, The Retreat is putting on a star-studded ‘Comeback Special’ to enjoy some form of the return to normal. They’ve got a bunch of shows happening through November and December with some of Melbourne’s best musicians. Check out the roster here.
Book in a visit to The Retreat’s beer garden here.
Rising Sun Hotel Richmond
The Rising Sun Hotel has been around since the 1800’s and has gone through many incarnations and has adapted to current times, with their outdoor section ready to open up in the next week.
They’ve got a pretty cool menu full of all types of stuff; Popcorn Chicken, Beef Vindaloo curry, porterhouse steak, and even quinoa salad. If that made your mouth water, you can order it for takeaway if you’re a Richmond local. When things get back to normal, they offer a different special every day – $20 for burgers and parmas, and drink specials like a $4 pot of beer, or $7 Canadian Club – you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Check out some more info about the hotel and book in a visit here.
Section 8
Found down one of Melbourne’s renowned laneways, Section 8 is a hidden gem you’ll want to share with all your friends and family.
There’s not a lot online about this spot, but there almost perfect google rating and massive Insta presence shows that they are one of the coolest venues across our great state. Their outdoor area is very Melbourne, nestled among the laneway’s beautiful artwork and atmosphere.
You don’t need to book in, but keep an eye on their socials below for any news about limits and opening rules.
Loop Roof and Loop Top
One of the most beautiful venues on this list of Melbourne pubs and bars with outdoor dining and drinking, Loop Roof on level three and Loop Top on level four take the outdoor dining and drinking experience to its natural conclusion with beguiling greenery and extraordinary views.
They serve a range of share plates, quesadillas, charcuterie boards and sides, but their real strength is as a bar that serves a fantastic range of cocktails, wines and beers.
Their venues are open for bookings here, although Loop Top is purely walk-ins.
The Espy
Outdoor drinking with a view of St Kilda beach?
The Espy has been through a huge process of upgrading their outdoor drinking and dining facilities on the street, to add to their traditional outdoor area and balcony.
The storied St Kilda pub is a rightful landmark that serves pub classics, stone-baked pizzas, burgers and a collection of seaside snacks, but also offers a Cantonese restaurant called Mya Tiger and a full dining restaurant menu. So there’s truly something for everyone.
To enjoy it all though, you’re going to need a vaccine passport. Check out our simple guide on getting one right here.
